Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo

Calvo Sotelo, Leopoldo (lāˌəpōlˈdō kälˈvō sōtĕlˈō) [key], 1926–2008, Spanish engineer and political leader. A conservative, he held (1975–77) ministerial posts before becoming (1980) deputy prime minister for economic affairs. When Adolfo Suárez resigned as prime minister in 1981, he succeeded him; his installation was interrupted by an abortive coup in which the parliament was seized while in session. Under Calvo Sotelo, Spain joined NATO and continued its transition from the Franco dictatorship to full-fledged democracy. He resigned before the 1982 elections in which the Socialist party, led by Felipe González, was victorious.